SCOTS TAME TIGERS IN HONG KONG
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Date Posted: 15-Mar-05

Scotland Sevens are just days away from the biggest event in their calendar – the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens 2005. The three day tournament begins on Friday (18 March) and so far preparations are going well.

The squad arrived safely after a 13 hour journey and following a quick turnaround at the team hotel they were off to spend the evening with follow Scots from the St Andrews Society of Hong Kong.

The squad trained twice today, both relatively light sessions to ensure the effects of the journey didn’t take their toll on the party. Following the second session at Kings Park, the squad were joined by some 50 children from the local DEA Tigers club.

The children, aged between seven and 16 years, were put through their paces in a variety of drills run by the squad members. Passing, tackling, running, rucking and mauling were all covered by the enthusiastic youngster before the group assembled for photos and autographs.

Scotland Sevens coach Rob Moffat said: “The players enjoy working with youngsters and we are keen to do more of it. I think it’s good for the players and it gives them a chance to think about running sessions themselves.

“Nothing fazes this group of players and the guys who have been around for a while are used to this sort of activity. It is part of the sevens’ culture and they just get on with it. That’s what playing is like – it’s not just about turning up on a Saturday, you have to prepare well and switch on and off at the right time.

“I think a lot of the other activities that we do help us on the pitch. Anyone coming into the side or the young guys that we have with us just get taken in and driven along as well. It’s not in our culture to moan – we just get on with it,” he added.

With three days left to prepare for the competition, the squad are eager to go and Moffat is satisfied with how ready Scotland are for what will be a gruelling contest. He said: “I think the boys are really looking forward to the start of the tournament, they are keen and it’s easy to see. They trained well today and I’m pleased. Hong Kong is always a bit special and they finished the session well with the kids.”

Up first for the Scots on Friday are Ireland, who will present something of an unpredictable opponent for Moffat’s men. He said: “A tie against Ireland is a tough start because the type of players they are, they will try to make life difficult for us. They are physical and they will look to rumble us. We will play the way we want to but as anyone who watches sevens knows, if you are a score down or if things aren’t going your way the game isn’t over – it can turn very quickly in your favour.”

Following Scotland’s match against Ireland come clashes with the USA and Korea on day one, then games against Tonga and New Zealand on Saturday before the knockout rounds commence on Sunday

This article was posted on 15-Mar-2005, 11:42 by Hugh Barrow.